At His Mercy

Dad's funeral. Solemnly Ariel's shoulder slumped in defeat, eyes swollen from tears and her petite body shaking from the dread of what to come after she left this place. In defeat to death because it has again won over her. It has taken away no one but her beloved father. The only brave warrior she knows ever existed. Seated in the front row of the church, she wore a black satin just like every other person in the church. She was staring hard at her father's coffin and could swear that she saw the old man breathe through his body, maybe it's just an illusion. There's a breathing session and she hoped and prayed that the old man would rise up and surprise them all. That God would do a miracle just like she normally read from the big book their priest does carry, but no! The old man lies peacefully in the coffin as if that's the safest place for him to be. Ariel's heart cried out in pain, holding on tightly to her brother, Jayden. Who was sniffing with puffy eyes. The only consolation people are giving them, most especially to her, was you stay strong. To be there for her brother. To act like the elder she is and move on with life, whatever that happened has happened. The living have to live. Damn them, damn everyone. They could say that because none of them is in her shoes. They can throw out advice to her because they know nothing about losing a dear one, not just one but two. No she doesn't want to stay strong any, she wants to go insane if that would reduce the hurt in her heart. She would rather go insane than to be left alone at night without the usual video call from her father. No!!! It all ends here when everyone leaves and it just began with her when she and her brother leave here. The moment they stepped out of the church premises and into where. A life full of chaos and sadness. This wasn't what the world promised her from the very beginning, why would the universe bring her here, if it's known there's no space in happiness for her. Ariel was lost in the moment, lost in her thoughts and pain. If she ends up being strong like they advised, who will be there for her too? Whose hands is she gonna rest on for comfort? No one, she guessed. Ironic. She wished the priest could speed up the process so they could call it a day. She has gone through the same thing at the age of seventeen when she lost her mother, Marie. No one needs to remind her, the pain attached to losing a loved one. She has gone through all that and the universe should have spared her this time around. Save her from drowning and wallowing in pain. After what seemed like eternity, the priest ended the ceremony, and some people came around to offer their condolences. She knew there's no end to that any sooner. Jayden pulled her into his arms, he knew this is too much a blow to keep his sis standing firm on her feet. Remembering the long nights of video calls from their father, promises upon promises he made with them. Their father, Zico, had promised to visit after winter was over for that session. It's just a few days to summer and the old man has failed to keep to his words just like their mom. To think that everyone here would eat at the reception makes blood rushed to his forehead making him feel breathless. This place is damn suffocating. "It's time to return to the villa" their chauffeur, a short red headed man said after they got out of the church. Finally, prayer was answered for once. They both walked towards the limousine, the chauffeur whom they later learnt his name to be Ben opened the door for them. Ariel closed her eyes the moment she stepped into the car, she started counting from one to ten to calm her nerves. The pain and cry isn't for one night, it's as long as she lives except she has a counselor. No family friends or close ties here. Not even her father's family. She knew no one beside her brother and maybe her old nanny, Lucy, before she traveled to the state. Lucy is no where around, maybe she retired, she thought. Ariel closed her eyes for a brief moment only to be drawn into darkness that seems more pacifying than the people in her face. The media is what she hates most out of everything, all this is so exciting to them even though they mask their faces with sadness but she knows that it's nothing but fake. Whatever. She doesn't care anymore. She would do anything that would take this feeling of falling apart off her chest, even if it means living recklessly. Her dad would understand, like he always does. Damien carried Ariel to her room, he asked the maids to prepare it beforehand. She thought the petite lady would weigh more as she is lacking in height but he was proved wrong. She's as light as a feather. "Is this a dream, young master carrying a lady?" One of the maids whispered to her mate. The second maid still has on her face a look of disbelief "this is nothing but a miracle" she replied at last staring at Damien's back as he walked farther into the room. He put her to bed gently, took off her shoes and sat down at the edge of the bed, staring at her. She has his attention all through the funeral. He doesn't know why but he felt more than concerned, or maybe it's because she's his boss' daughter. He sighs, covering her with a duvet and walks out of the room. He met his younger brother in the living room, staring into space. The young man looked no older than about his age when he was bought some years back. His silver golden hair attracted him the most. What a nice combo. "Hey" Damien called and the young man looked up. "Will she be fine?" Jayden asked in a worried tone. "Yeah, she will. Here, come" Damien opened his arm for him. The young man squinted at him unsure if he meant for him to walk into his waiting arms. "It doesn't bite," Damien encouraged him with a smile. Jayden held back the need to laugh because the older man's smile looked stiff like a mean look. Damien watched him walk into his arms, he wrapped his arms around him and felt the young man tighten around his waist. That's it! The feeling of relief washed through Jayden. He stayed in that position because it made him feel better, not until Damien pulled away. "You will be fine, okay" Damien assured him, Jayden could only nod in response. Damien shook his head as he made his way towards his study, what is he going to do with them?